Walt Disney and the First Golden Age of Disney Animation
Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, famed Disney animation layout artist and film producer Joe Hale, and noted film documentary director Ted Thomas explored the establishment of Walt’s cinematic storytelling traditions, Disney’s animation milestones, and Disney’s famed Nine Old Men.
Roy E. Disney and the Second Golden Age of Disney Animation
Roy E. Disney son and former Disney Imagineer Roy Patrick Disney; Oscar®-nominated Disney animation film producer Don Hahn; acclaimed Disney animation film writers, directors, and producers John Musker and Ron Clements; and Dave Bossert, creative director and head of special projects at Walt Disney Animation Studios, remember Roy E. Disney and his impact on Disney animated features of the 1980s and ’90s.
Inside Walt Disney Animation Studios Today
In a presentation hosted by Disney animator Darrin Butters, and created exclusively for Destination D, members got an inside look at how the legacy of Disney animation lives on today with a never-before-seen peek into exciting current and upcoming projects from Walt Disney Animation Studios, including exclusive sneak peeks and footage from the comedy Wreck-It Ralph and the 2013 feature film Frozen; and short films Paperman and Tangled Ever After.
Animating the Disney Parks
Walt Disney Imagineering senior vice president of creative development Tony Baxter and Imagineering vice president of creative development Tom Morris joined former Disney Imagineer and noted designer Eddie Sotto to discuss how famed Imagineers such as Herb Ryman, John Hench, Claude Coats, Marc Davis, and others brought their talents from the realm of Disney animation and applied those skills to creating Disney parks.
Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix in Concert
The fun continued into the night with an unforgettable evening of harmony provided by Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix—the popular vocal quartet comprised of legendary television, Broadway, and film star Dick Van Dyke and three renowned West Coast musicians—Mike Mendyke, Bryan Chadima, and Eric Bradley.
Wacky and Wild Disney Animation
Famed Disney animator and director Eric Goldberg and animation historian Jerry Beck took members on a surreal ride through some of the most psychedelic and visually stunning animation ever put on film in this fun and humorous retrospective of key moments from Disney animated features. Along the way, guests learned about the contributions of such characters as Disney Legend Ward Kimball, renowned artist Salvador Dali, and many others.
Disney Feature Animation Stars—Drawing With Personality
This presentation was hosted by famed Disney animator Andreas Deja. Walt Disney Studios is often credited with perfecting personality animation—using paper and pencil to create characters that seemingly live and breathe. In this entertaining and educational presentation, guests discovered the secrets behind the creation of some of Disney’s most beloved animated stars, plus they got the chance to design their own.
Tinker Bell: The Evolution of a Disney Character
This presentation was hosted by Mindy Johnson, Disney animation historian and author of the upcoming book Tinker Bell: An Evolution (Disney Editions, Fall 2013). Joining her were Tinker Bell models Margaret Kerry and Ginni Mack, actress and voice artist Mae Whitman, and animation director Peggy Holmes.
Hearing Voices: A Salute to Disney Character Voice Artists
This presentation was hosted by Tim O’Day, noted Disney historian and author. Guests got to meet the artists behind the voices as D23 shined a spotlight on many of the men and women who have supplied some of the most familiar voices ever to grace movies screens.
Snow White: Still “The Fairest of Them All”
This presentation included a rare West Coast appearance by 93-years-young Marge Champion, the live-action reference model for the character of Snow White. Also joining the presentation was Gabriella Calicchio, CEO of The Walt Disney Family Museum, to provide insights on the museum’s upcoming Snow White exhibition, plus noted film musicologist and historian Alex Rannie.
An Evening With Disney Legend and Oscar Winner Alan Menken
With eight Academy Awards®, Alan has received more Oscars® than any living person. He has written songs and scores for some of the world’s most beloved films: Tangled (Oscar nominee), Enchanted (three Oscar nominations), The Little Mermaid (two Oscar wins), Beauty and the Beast (two Oscar wins), Aladdin (two Oscar wins), Pocahontas (two Oscar wins), among others.
